People like to take things to extremes when they disagree. I said he was 'underwhelming' for an 11-3 team who barely missed out on the CFB playoffs as their QB1 from the portal. He doesn't suck. He's OK. Also the stats of his backup in the last game resemble, basically his stats as a starter, so that proves nothing. I honestly think Friel would push him and likely win the QB1 spot, if he were to return.
Remember the portal also opens back up around spring camp time when dudes start to realize they aren't going to start, looking for other options.